(c’67) Julian “Whisker” Davies (piano), Brian “Powerhouse Jake” Page (guitar), Ian “Mayo” May (vocals), Dick Forcey (drums) and Kirk Riddle (bass).

The Combined Forces drew musicians from a number of local bands and formed for one gig – A local blues super group. Davies was with the Whisker Davies Blues Stormers, Page and May the King’s Biscuit Boys Jug Band, and Forcey and Riddle were both in The Stormsville Shakers.

Picture courtesy of Jim Cook’s Memoir, Mostly Music & Me

Prior to the gig they rehearsed in the function room of The Parrot Inn, Shalford. The event was a charity concert on 9 May ’67 held in the Borough Hall, Godalming headlined by the Graham Bond Organisation, with Duster Bennett, Georgia Skin Men, Whisker Davies Blues Stormers, Alfie Lucas & Jim Cook and The Combined Forces supporting. On the night, on the occurrence of consuming some Polish pure spirit, May ‘stepped’ off the stage but got up and carried on. On being asked ‘how?’, May smiled and simply stated “I was pissed”.

Sadly, May past in 2016. Riddle, who lately played in the Staubanzee skiffle band, sadly passed away November 2017. Dick Forcey was last heard of in Australia.

Gallery:

Advert from Melody Maker. Picture courtesy of Jim Cook’s Memoir, Mostly Music & Me
9 May 1967: Ticket for charity gig at Godalming Borough Hall, featuring the Graham Bond Organisation, Picture courtesy of Bens Collectors Records
The Combined Forces rehearsing in the back room at The Parrot Inn, Shalford. Source: Brian Page via Godalming Town Past & Present